Steelers running out of time to re-sign wide receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers have just over a month to extend the contract of one of Aaron Rodgers' top targets for the upcoming season. 

Per Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of the "Pat McAfee Show," Pittsburgh has not yet approached Calvin Austin III about extending his contract. 

Because of the team's long-standing policy  against negotiating with players during the regular season, Steelers general manager Omar Khan has just over a month to agree to a deal with Austin before he's set to become a free agent in 2026.

"The Steelers have yet to approach Calvin Austin III about a potential extension, and it's unknown if they will," Kaboly posted on X. "Austin is in the final year of his 4-year, $4.1 million rookie deal.

"If the Steelers don't sign him before the Sept. 7 opener, Austin will become a free agent next year."

 

The Steelers selected Austin in the fourth round of the 2022 draft. The two-time first-team All-AAC standout at Memphis missed the 2022 campaign due to a foot injury.

Austin has appeared in 34 games and started in nine during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He's recorded 53 receptions for 728 yards and five touchdowns during his time in the league.

Given Austin's lack of production in his first two seasons on the field, it seems unlikely the Steelers would be willing to pay Austin the kind of money he hopes to prove he's worth with Rodgers under center this fall.

Austin has a chance to excel with an elite quarterback under center — something he didn't have in his first year with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Rodgers is a sure upgrade over Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

Odds are that Austin is headed to free agency after the season.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014